Vertical farming and green roofs combine environmental sustainability with urban development
Malaysia today is depicted by its towering skyscrapers and expansive urban landscapes as it rapidly advances towards a developed future. But a longing for green permeates the streets of the concrete jungle. Green roofs and vertical farming are two solutions that promise to combine environmental sustainability with urban development. However, the inquiry into why these green havens encounter challenges in establishing a foothold in Malaysia's real estate market becomes more prominent upon closer examination.
Crops grown in vertically stacked layers, known as vertical farming, have enormous potential to improve food security and preserve resources. Imagine lush skyscrapers growing fresh veggies, cutting down on reliance on agricultural land and lowering carbon emissions. Adding an additional ecological advantage, that is green roofs, which are vegetated layers situated atop buildings, act as natural insulators. They reduce energy consumption, mitigate heat effects and serve as sanctuaries for diverse wildlife.
In addition, the benefits go beyond having enough food. In addition to regulating temperature and enhancing air quality, they can also improve an urban environment’s aesthetics, generate jobs and strengthen local economies. Vertical farming offers a multifaceted solution in a city like Kuala Lumpur, where green spaces are valuable and air pollution is a constant concern.
Costly deterrents
The reality in Malaysia, however, presents a different image. Strong deterrents include low government incentives and high initial investment costs. Even though the technology is developing, it has not been extensively tested in the local environment, which raises questions about its viability both financially and operationally in the long run. The challenges of integrating vertical farms into existing buildings require rigorous infrastructure upgrades and retrofitting.
Rooftop gardens can be a great asset for real estate developers. They can raise property values, draw in environmentally conscious tenants and improve their general quality of life. Merely the thought of unwinding on a rooftop patio surrounded by fragrant herbs and blossoming flowers will put one’s mind at ease, like a peaceful oasis in the middle of the bustling city.
Complicated…for now
The intricate system of vertical farming necessitates knowledge of hydroponics, LED lighting, and climate control. Malaysia may face operational difficulties and possible crop failures due to a shortage of suitably skilled workers at the moment to oversee these systems. Maintaining vegetation in a new rooftop environment can present a whole different set of problems that Malaysian workers need to learn to navigate. Waterproofing integrity and other structural weight considerations all call for careful planning and implementation as well.
Vertical farming requires substantial capital. Developers used to conventional, less resource-intensive building techniques may find it difficult to set up specialised infrastructure, lighting systems and climate control because they require a significant financial investment. Waterproofing, drainage systems and specialty vegetation are additional expenses associated with green roofs.
Financially worth it?
It's still unclear whether vertical farming and green roofs will be financially sustainable in the long run. For vertical farming in Malaysia, there is still a small market for locally grown produce and persuading customers to pay more for products that are vertically farmed can be difficult. On a similar note, developers may be reluctant to accept green roofs because it can be difficult to measure and monetise return on investment, which is typically expressed in terms of energy savings and environmental benefits.
Despite seeming simpler, green roofs also have challenges. A rooftop garden's weight and water retention may be too much for the structural limitations of existing buildings to handle. Developers may be discouraged by concerns about leaks and waterproofing, and the upkeep requirements may seem overwhelming. Moreover, the adoption of green roofs may be further hampered by the general public's lack of knowledge and comprehension of their advantages.
Fortunately, during the tabling of the 2023 Budget, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced that Bank Negara will provide RM2bil in funding for sustainable technology start-ups and help small and medium enterprises implement low-carbon practices.
"Khazanah will provide RM150 million to boost environmentally friendly projects, including supporting the carbon market and reforestation. Additionally, the Green Technology Financing Scheme (GTFS) will be improved by increasing the guarantee value to RM3 billion until 2025," he said during the tabling.
Bigger developers have no issue testing and financing green practices for their developments, so this could be a great push for the smaller developers to try their hand at it. However, it will take more than one strategy to overcome these obstacles. Green roof and vertical farming investments can be supported in the form of more tax breaks, subsidies and proper regulations.
Campaigns for public education can increase public demand and increase awareness of their advantages. Innovative solutions and economically viable implementations can result from knowledge sharing and collaboration among developers, engineers, architects and urban planners.
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